REFLECTIONS TODAY Luke’s language suggests a sort of habit on the part of Jesus to retire and pray after his missionary activities to unfortunate persons. His healing ministry—like his cleansing of a leper—attracts crowds and enhances his “honor.” For Jesus, however, fame is not important. He shows detachment by withdrawing to deserted places to commune with his Father. More so, he relates his missionary activities to his personal communion with his Father in prayer. For Jesus, doing his Father’s will is all that matters; it is his “food” (Jn 4:34). Honor, reputation, popularity, and self-glory that may come with successful ministry can never obscure Jesus’ vision. He does it by maintaining a regular rhythm of prayer and missionary activity. We pray to God when we are in need or in distress. When we obtain success or some importance, we have to pray even more to remain humble and grateful to the Lord. Gospel • Lk 5:12-16 It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but, “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, 16but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray. SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.